The White River and canal certainly is not know for its pristine blue waters, but once a year the Indianapolis waterway electrifies a shade of bright green. An unnatural, almost radioactive glowing green.

Drawing large crowds and delighting countless kids, this St. Patrick's Day tradition was no exception this year when the Central Canal was dyed during a Thursday ceremony ahead of the Saturday holiday.

But just what does it take to carry out the custom? (You wouldn't be the only one asking if it's just an exorbitant amount of food coloring.)

And, more importantly, how "green" is it to green our waterways? Is the process safe for the environment?

Talking with some local environmental groups and information from public health experts, here are a few things to know about Greening of the Canal right here in Indy:

The city of Indianapolis and Hoosier Lottery — which presented this year's Greening of the Canal event — have not, in fact, bought out all the green food dye from area grocery stores. Sources were not able to provide specific information on what the dye is actually made from, but dyes used for such ceremonies in other cities have been vegetable based.

That being said, the dyes used for this ceremony are non-toxic, according to Jody Arthur with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Communities and organizations would have to acquire a permit before putting anything in the water that could produce an irregular discharge, she said, but this is an occasional use that does not produce any harmful waste.

The Central Canal has been dyed for over a decade now, according to Chris Gahl of the city's lead tourism arm Visit Indy. The dying process has improved over that time, and the city is more judicious with how often it dyes the waterways, reserving it for special occasions and events in Indy.

Several of the other times and events that Indy dyes the Canal throughout the year include during April when it is turned teal in support of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month; in September when the Indiana Latino Institute colors it orange to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Awareness month; and the Pinking of the Canal ceremony during October to raise awareness for breast cancer.

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Executive Director of the Hoosier Lottery, Sarah Taylor, left, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, center left, and members of the The McGinley Family who were named Irish Citizens of the Year, right, pour green dye in to the canal during the Greening of the Canal event presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Hoosier Lottery Nightly Drawing Host Chayzee Smith introduces the Irish Citizens of the Year, The McGinley Family, during the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Michael McGinley, from the McGinley Family who were named Irish Citizens of the Year, speaks during the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. The McGinley family owns the Golden Ace Inn in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, left, prepares to green the canal during the annual Greening of the Canal event presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Balloons fly in honor of Noah Lambert who was recently killed in a hit and run crash during the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. The balloons were released by the Lambert Family. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Members of the Lambert family attend the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery to release balloons in honor of Noah Lambert who was recently killed in a hit and run crash in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Lambert's favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Members of the Lambert family release balloons in honor of Noah Lambert who was recently killed in a hit and run crash during the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Lambert's favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Members of the Lambert family release balloons in honor of Noah Lambert who was recently killed in a hit and run crash during the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Lambert's favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Members of the Lambert family release balloons in honor of Noah Lambert who was recently killed in a hit and run crash during the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Lambert's favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Irish singer and songwriter Katherine Nagy, center right, performs during the annual Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Tessa Carter wears a ribbon and photo in honor of Noah Lambert who was recently killed in a hit and run crash, during the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Members of the McGinley family snap photos of Michael McGinley and family who were named Irish Citizens of the Year, as he speaks during the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. The McGinley family owns the Golden Ace Inn in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Balloons fly in honor of Noah Lambert, who was recently killed in a hit-and-run, during the Greening of the Canal presented by the Hoosier Lottery in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 15, 2018. The balloons were released by the Lambert Family. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

This information was gathered and provided by Reconnecting to Our Waterways, a community group dedicated to preserving and cleaning up the city's waterways for the community.

Call IndyStar reporter Sarah Bowman at (317) 444-6129. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @IndyStarSarah. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.